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Monday, June 6, 2011

Oh, so soon!

Contributor: Lauren Barth

One month—scratch that, LESS than one month away.

What is less than one month away, you ask? Why, the departure of our Indo team for…you guessed it…Indonesia.

It seems surreal to be checking the final items off of my packing list, picking up malaria medication, working on my base tan…okay, that last one is a joke, considering the fact that today is only our fifth sunny day of 2011. In fact, as I think back to our first meeting at the beginning of the year, the July 3 departure date seemed eons away, like a far-off, hypothetical date that perhaps one day would roll around.

I was wrong. Instead, we are charging full steam ahead.

Our most recent preparation was Training Camp, a weekend of intense team building, practical challenges, and learning to really love and depend on one another. That being said, I think that the other members of my team can attest to the feeling that we didn’t leave that weekend the same as we started—as the Indo “team.” I can truly call these people my brothers and sisters—my Indo family.

I ask that you continue to pray for us, and pray boldly.

Hebrews 4: 14-16

“14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Please pray for:

·The guidance and peace of the Holy Spirit as we prepare both our talks for high school and middle school students, as well as plans for VBS

·Our full trust in the Lord for financial provision

·Unity and safety within the team as we travel

·Opportunities for us to talk about our mission and share the gospel with people here in Vancouver as we make our final preparations. I’ve come to learn that purchasing things like malaria medication and super absorbent towels can open the door to some pretty meaningful conversations.